my outfit: fur vest!

As promised... I have pictures of my faux fur vest for you all! I found this vest second hand two springs ago (wow, that was a long time ago... I guess I have good "vision"!). I knew I loved it, but I never wore it. Why? Because it had a big clunky HOOD. Now there is nothing wrong with hoods in general. But the combination of a bulky fur vest with an even bulkier fur hood was just a bad combo. I felt like a flea in a bear suit. (ha, that's a funny visual!)

I only paid $15 for the vest, so I figured I would try hacking off the hood and worst case if it didn't work out... I wouldn't be missing anything but a vest I never wore. But what I had to gain was a super trendy item on the super cheap. I went for it!

I took pictures of the whole process... not sure if they are relevant enough to post. But this outfit is! I love that the vest is sleeker, while still being cozy!

I felt all "Rachel Zoe" wearing this vest... so I piled on the bangles! Heck, why not! The mornings are brrrrr, baby already. It was 47 this morning at the bus stop. But I was cozy warm of course.

Piled over a slim sweater, I can see lots of use for this vest this fall/winter. Football games, bus stop standing (my new favorite activity) and running around in general.


And an obligatory shot of my boots. It's boot season... hip hip hooray! I'll be crying about this in my soup come March (NO MORE BOOTS, I'll protest), but for now I am relishing in the novelty of it again.


Details:

Vest, Second Hand (see my faux fur vest picks here!)

Sweater, Banana Republic (similar)

Bangles, F21 (similar)

Jeans, F21 (similar)

Boots, Michael Michael Kors (similar)

my outfit: fall preview!

This past weekend I spent a rainy morning raiding my closet and getting excited about fall... I played "dress up" big time to get a feel for what I already had in my closet for fall before I got TOO excited about buying more for fall. I think the 30/30 Challenge has made me more disciplined (success!). My fall shopping list seems about a mile long... not good. I wanted to dig into what I had first to make sure it didn't get shoved to the back of the closet with the new. This week I'll show you all my fun "existing" fall looks - then hopefully in the coming weeks I'll mix in some new as well!

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I mentioned that this fall I will have more dedicated time away from the kids to grow and work on the blog. I am hoping to do a lot of my work in local coffee shops. One of the things I miss the most about being a mom is the ability to just be out and about around town on my own. I look forward to people watching while working and being able to dress up a little more fun than I would if it were me and the kids toting around town.



This outfit is a perfect example. Still casual, a bit more polished. I love the black and brown combo here - it's subdued but classy. It's a little hard to tell, but the boots are dark brown.



Layering on the necklaces this season is just TOO fun! I just love it! They get a little messy and tangled, but that's the name of the game I guess.



I have had this blazer from the Gap for forever, but I still just LOVE pulling it out and wearing it. It's perfectly broken in. Is there one fall piece you are looking forward to wearing again?

Details:
Blazer, Gap
Necklaces, Forever 21
Black Skinnies, Courtesy of TULLE
Boots, MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS
Tank, Banana Republic

Steal this look!

Tanks by Forever 21
Boots by Forever 21

good LOOK for less: EXPRESS, Chelsea!

Chelsea emailed me recently about a challenge she is having with her wardrobe... here's a bit of her note:

I am a 25 year old and I work in Sales/Promotions for a large media company in Florida. I spend most of my work week behind a desk and I have to wear business casual attire Monday through Friday. I feel like everytime I open my closet all I see is work appropriate attire and I need more outfits I can transition from work into weekend attire for date nights, girls nights out, or just a day of shopping. I would consider my style to be trendy and classy chic. I love dressing up outfits with heels and accessories and I love prints!

Here I worked to compile three outfits for Chelsea that would be appropriate for work, but that are also jazzed up a bit so that they would be appropriate for socializing as well.

I absolutely adore this outfit for a casual Friday or shopping or lunching with gal pals on the weekend. If jeans aren't suitable for the office (even on a Friday), simply swap the jeans for a pair of cropped tan tweed trousers or the like.

Take a deep breathe and be calm before criticizing the "jumper" featured below. I've said it before and I'll say it again... a jumper is just a dress with pant legs. Really, it is. This one is flowy to hide curves (if need be) and paired with a belt and a cardigan it is perfectly acceptable for work. Then when the sun goes down... the cardigan comes off (if you prefer to show some shoulder!) and you are ready for a girl's night out or a hot date - no problem!

Keep in mind that Chelsea is in Florida. So this outfit is perfect with or without hosiery. If you live in a cooler climate, simply add black tights and a black blazer and you are set to go! It's a great outfit for the office and drinks afterward.

Happy Shopping Chelsea!

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If you would like to get on the "list" for one of my good LOOK for less EXPRESS (free) consults, email me at goodlifeforless @ gmail.com - or click here for more info on my wardrobe consultation services!

Reader Question!

Brooke recently inquired the following:

I recently bought this super awesome skirt from Anthropologie but have had the hardest time finding the right top to pair with it. The skirt has so much going on so I feel like the top should be simple, like a plain tank. Of course it's winter! Any ideas? Thank you!!!

You are right Brooke! That skirt is super awesome... you are double right that it's a little trickster to style! It almost had me stumped for a minute... ha, not really (well, maybe a lil').

(info: Fruit Compote Skirt, Anthropologie, $59.95, French Cuff Shirt, Victoria's Secret, $28, Beaded Bracelets, Forever 21, $6.80, Vintage Inspired Chain Necklace, Topshop, $50, Bow Clutch with Feathers, White House|Black Market, $48, Pressley Pump, Michael Kors, $97.95)

Simplicity is key here. The skirt has oodles of femininity going on with the ruffles... so, I suggest a "mens-wear" inspired look for the top. Nothing over the top, but I think a firmly starched white button-up top would be perfect. I would specifically suggest a button-up that has a tall collar and think cuffs, for "popping" and "rolling", respectively. And then some bold but simple accessories and black shoes and clutch to top it all off! This outfit is just perfect for any holiday parties you may have!

Enjoy Brooke and thanks for your question!

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Do you have a reader question for me? Email me at goodlifeforless @ gmail.com!

Work it Wednesday!

I have to admit, I am in favor of the jumpsuit. Before you think I am crazy... think about this...

It's really no different than a dress, just with pant legs. And this one in particular strikes me as very forgiving. With the blouson top, the gathered waist and the flowing pant leg, how can you go wrong? It covers the bad and accentuates the good.

I'm sold. And for $22.80 from Forever 21, really, how can you go wrong?

More Forever 21...

My husband and I have a trip to Vegas coming up soon... part business (for him) part fun (for me... and him too!). Wouldn't these three outfits be rockin' fun in Vegas? Here's a Work It Wednesday for a weekend in Vegas (hmmm... I think I could wear this the whole time... no one would likely know the difference!!!

jumpsuit three ways by Jill GG featuring Forever21

down low...

I've been a bit on the down low with blogging lately... maybe it's the sunny days, maybe it's the remnants of the holiday weekend still coursing through my veins, or maybe it's just because.

But here are some lovely, lovely things for you to behold and imagine along with me - maybe this will get me out of my funk.

More Kate Spade...

More Emilio Pucci...

More Michael Kors...

More Christian Louboutin...

Shoe dreaming always makes me feel so much better, how about you?

Fashion Friday... all you need is love!

As you may (or may not) know... Fashion Friday is where I take one item that I have highlighted over the past week an formulate an outfit using it. Today I am feeling basic and simple and cozy. I really loved this scarf I featured in yesterday's rainbow post from www.Vivre.com that I think was actually in their men's department... but men's-shmen's. I like it. And this week is so cold and miserable with having a sick kid that I just need some comfy-cozy goodness. How about you?


all you need is love. by Jill GG

A couple of cravings...

Here's some things I am totally loving on these days...


some of my favorite things... by Jill GG

From top, left to right:

Women: Ruffle collar striped shirt, Gap, $48.00

Grey Scarf, Ruche, $12.99

Delilah Embroidery Empire Tunic, Ruche, $44.99

Set of Two Leather Studded Bracelets, Urban Outfitters, $28

Soft Blue and Varsity Green Flat, Marc by Marc Jacobs Piperlime
$119.99 (from $240.00)

JCrew Velvet Ecole Jacket (Drat! It's sold out!! Here's a similar one that is pretty cool!)

Distressed Skinny Jeans, JCrew, $135.00

Golden Goose Boots, LaGarconne, $1050.00 Golden Goose is right!!!

Tortoise Jet Set Watch, Michael Kors, $195

So Real Groovee Handbag, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Piperlime
$49.99 (from $98.00)

Good Luck Charm Necklace, Urban Outfitters, $34

What are you loving on these days?

Santa? Are you there?

I just thought I would let you know, Santa, about a great sale at Vivre... you know, just in case any of us have been nice enough!

Snakeskin Envelope Clutch, $130 (from $260)


Women's Suede Softy Sneakers, $117.50 (from $235)


Lux Leather Coat, Michael Kors, $200 (from $400)


Wonderful Winter Sale going on now at Vivre.com - up to 50% off

Inspired by Patent

I just LOVE patent... I have three pairs of shoes and three handbags in beloved patent. Here's some more inspiration from across the spectrum - I'll take one of each Santa!


Purely Patent by Jill GG

Are you inspired by patent? If so leave a comment and show me how!

Practical Gift Guide (Inspired by Mostly Mod!)

Screeeeeccch. Put on the brakes from this dreamy post and get back to reality, right?

I love to dream. It is an integral part of my being... ask my husband about all the hair-brained ideas I can come up with on a moment's notice. He'll laugh. And then certainly indulge you.

Me: "... you know honey, like when we are famous and we are walking down the red carpet and stop to smile. I was thinking... should we do like sly smiles or super happy smiles and half-embrace or just hold hands. What suit do you think you will wear...."
Him: "What red carpet? What would we even be famous for?"
Me: "I don't know... just curious... do you think it would be a dark grey suit or just straight black, because I was thinking dark grey would be really modern and fresh"

(then, ahem, I realize we have two toddlers and a pretty average life... but if you like to dream too... just leave me a comment on what your red carpet smile would be like, k? wink, wink)

Any way, while dreaming is fun and indulgent and probably pretty healthy to maintain a positive outlook on life - it is just a dream. SO, here are some of the "practical" Christmas gifts on my list this year.


Practical Christmas by Jill GG

Top from left:
Michael Kors Watch, I simply can not live without this watch and mine is on the fritz (or needs a new battery... whatever - I just need a new watch)
iPhone, this is a Christmas gift in which I sold my old Blackberry on ebay and replaced it with this gorgeous beauty (in white)
Old Navy Velour Hoodie, I do not own a sweatsuit, is that strange? I need a cozy one for snow days with the kiddos.
Martha Stewart Feathered Birdies, I collect these. How cute are these with black tails?
Bottom from left:
Gap Long Puffer Coat, I need something super warm, yet chic. My former "puffer" is "puffed"
Banana Republic Beanie Hat, I don't own a hat either - how did that happen, I live in Michigan for goodness sakes!
Old Navy Velour Pants, to match the hoodie of course!
Urban Outfitters Handbag, I have been having a handbag "issue" in that I have been searching for one and never finding the perfect one - problem solved!

What's on your practical Christmas list? Check out Mostly Mod for her list!

I'm dreaming of a luxurious Christmas...

A girl has got to dream! Right?


I'm dreaming of a luxurious Christmas... by Jill GG

What's on your "luxurious" Christmas list?